Postdoctoral Researcher, Philosophy

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä is seeking to recruit:

A Postdoctoral Researcher in Philosophy for a fixed-term period of 09/2024–04/2026 (20 months) or per agreement.

The position is allocated to the Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy and to a project funded by the Academy of Finland: Asymmetric Encounters: Intersubjectivity and the Sense of Boundaries. Making use of research in philosophy, psychoanalysis, and developmental psychology, the project engages in an inquiry into interpersonal experience – particularly, the sense of mutuality, reciprocity, selfhood, and otherness – and challenges the premise that human interaction takes place between unambiguously differentiated individuals.

Duties and requirements

The main task of the to-be-recruited Postdoctoral Researcher is to conduct research on the dynamics between self and other. The applicant’s research plan is expected to focus on one or more of the following questions from a self-chosen theoretical viewpoint:

1. How is self/other differentiation experientially achieved and maintained?
2. What kind of tensions and mechanisms are involved in this process?
3. How are these tensions reflected in social interaction?

The applicants are expected to have a Ph.D. degree in philosophy, psychology, or other suitable academic background. Prior familiarity with more than one of these disciplines and interdisciplinary expertise across them will be considered as an asset. In any case, strength in theoretical-conceptual analysis is required.

Besides research, the chosen candicate is expected to take part in the internal research seminar of the project and to the planning and organizing of scientific events. The primary place to carry out the research is Jyväskylä.

The candidate is expected to conduct research at high international level, and a good command of English is required for this position. The duties, qualification requirements and language skills of a Postdoctoral Researcher are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines. The qualification requirements should be met by the closing of the application time.

What does the University of Jyväskylä offer as an employer?

You become part of our international and multi-science community where the welfare of each individual is important. At Jyväskylä we offer a great and lively campus area with opportunities to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. To find useful information about the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä and living in Finland, see the University's International Staff Guide.

The initial monthly salary (gross income) in this Postdoctoral Researcher position will be approximately 3.500–3.900 €, depending on the qualifications and prior experience of the candidate.

Six months trial period is applied to the filling of the position.

How to apply

The following documents must be included in English to the electronic recruitment system:

1. CV composed according to good scientific practice and considering, when possible, the template for researcher´s curriculum vitae of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity (TENK);
2. Short and informal motivation letter (max. 1 page, "cover letter" on the online application form);
3. Numbered list of publications covering the applicant’s the scientific and other publications according to the instructions of the Academy of Finland (please indicate the five most relevant publications vis-à-vis this project);
4. Research proposal (max. 3 pages) pertinent to the task, including a publication plan (bibliography does not count towards the page limit, “research plan” on the online application form);
5. Ph.D. degree certificate (a PDF copy / picture).

Also, please provide the names and contact information of 1-2 references to the online application form.

In the evaluation of the applications, strong emphasis will be given to the research proposal (appendix 4), which measures the applicant’s suitability for the project.

The University is committed to fairness, consistency and transparency in selection decisions, and undertakes the recommendations for the responsible evaluation of a researcher in Finland and Dora Declaration.

For more information, please contact the director of the project, Senior Lecturer Joona Taipale (email: joona.h.taipale@jyu.fi; tel.: +358503577186).

The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences is a strong contributor to human sciences. It has a central role in understanding and developing human activities and the structures of society. The faculty is a unique, strongly profiled unit that conducts internationally significant research with societal impact. Research and education at the faculty focus on culture, arts, traditions, languages and communication, social sciences and philosophy.
The University of Jyväskylä is a human-centred environment of 2,500 experts and 14,500 students. Our goal is to create wisdom and wellbeing for us all. It is essential that each member of the community thrives and has opportunities to develop and grow. We cherish openness of thinking as well as the balance between research and education. Our naturally beautiful campus is located at the heart of the city of Jyväskylä. JYU is the third largest employer in Central Finland.

Information for the applicant

The application form cannot be saved as a draft. However, after submitting you can return to edit your application via the link you receive by email. The application can be edited until the application deadline.

You have 6 hours to complete your application before the timeout.